Industry News

Energy efficiency measures top one million under Government schemes

A million home improvement measures will keep Britain’s homes warmer for less this Christmas thanks to the Government’s energy efficiency schemes.

In under two years the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and Green Deal package has delivered new boilers, windows and insulation to around 830,000 extra houses, bringing tidings of toastier homes and lower bills in time for Christmas.

Many were poorly-insulated and damp, costing over the odds to heat, while a substantial part of the work under ECO helped people living at risk of fuel poverty.

Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey said:

“We’ve taken money off people’s energy bills this winter, but to cut bills permanently people need energy efficient homes.

“Thanks to our ECO and Green Deal policies one million energy efficiency measures such as new boilers and insulation have now been installed in less than two years, making homes across the UK warmer and cutting household bills for this Christmas, and every Christmas.”

With additional Green Deal funding to be released in February and energy suppliers still delivering measures to meet their ECO targets by March, even more homes will receive help in the New Year.

Mrs Crook from New Romney, Kent, is looking forward to lower bills and a cosier home over the festive period. She recently had cavity wall and loft insulation installed, fully funded by EDF Energy, and said:

“After the insulation was installed I really noticed the difference. The house is a lot warmer this winter, which should help keep my bills down. I was really pleased with the service I received and I think it’s great news that this scheme has helped so many people across the country.”

The 1 million milestone comes a week after the Government allocated £24 million to help over 5,000 homes receive up to £4000 back for installing solid wall insulation, through the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund.

A further £6 million is still up for grabs – homeowners can apply for up to £1000 if they install two measures from a list of home improvements under the Fund.

This £30 million fund is part of an additional £100 million pot announced in October 2014, with the next release expected in February 2015. This is all on top of the £450 million already set aside for household energy efficiency over 2014-7.

In addition, a new £25 million grant announced as part of the Autumn statement will see an extra 8000 low-income households benefit from first-time central heating for off gas grid homes.